Close to the city of Cusco is one of the most stunning natural sights you can imagine — the mountain of seven colors, aka, Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca. If you’re looking for an exciting day out of the city, that’ll challenge you but give you the most fantastic rewards, this is the perfect option.
Get ready to discover one of the most impressive natural wonders on the planet in the middle of the Peruvian Andes. If you visit Cusco, this day trip is a must! Our one-day tour to Vinicunca, or Rainbow Mountain, will take you through remote high-altitude barren lands and through isolated communities found in the Vilcanota mountain range. You’ll also be able to witness the immensity of the sacred Ausangate mountain (6,372 m/ 20,905 ft), the highest in the region.
Our epic adventure begins at 4:00 am. We’ll pick you up from the door of your accommodation to head for 3 hours towards the Southern Valley of Cusco in our private transport. Despite the early morning, you’ll have the opportunity to catch some more z’s along the way in our comfortable transport with the cozy blankets that we provide for you.
Along the way, we’ll observe picturesque Andean towns, agricultural platforms from the Inca period, fertile valleys, and beautiful rolling mountains. We’ll stop off and observe the herds of llamas and alpacas that’ll entertain you while you enjoy a delicious continental breakfast to give you the nourishing boost you need to begin the hike.
We’ll continue our journey until we reach the starting point of the hike at 4,630 m / 15,190 ft. There we’ll start by heading along a meandering path in the middle of the Andean mountains that follows a pretty stream. As you ascend, you’ll be rewarded with the impressive view of the Ausangate Mountain (6,372 m / 20,905 ft). Take a few minutes to try to understand why this mountain is a living deity for the Andean people.
This remote region is home to many people, and you’ll have the opportunity to see them working the land. You’ll also be amazed to see the traditional clothing they use and make themselves thanks to the artistic textile talents that they’ve inherited from their ancestors. This is one of the many ways an ancient culture is preserved in the rural regions of Peru that refuses to be submitted by the rules of the western world. Your guide will teach you about the meaning of some garments and, if you want, you can ask him to teach you some words in Quechua, the native language of many inhabitants of the zone and one that’s been spoken since Inca times.
After an hour-and-a-half of walking, we’ll reach the amazing Rainbow Mountain of Cusco (5,100 m / 16,732 ft). Take your time to admire the astounding beauty of this impressive natural formation and feel the thrill of witnessing a unique natural site. You’ll explore the surroundings a little and take in the stunning landscape while your guide explains the theories that exist regarding the origin of this mountain that seems like it’s been taken from a colorful dream. Use this opportunity to take some incredible photos or simply immerse yourself in the landscape. We’ll spend around 30 minutes to an hour at the top, depending on how fast you hiked and the weather conditions. If you wish to spend more time there, let your guide know.
It’ll take us another hour until we reach the starting point of the hike, from where we’ll board our transport to the restaurant in Cusipata and enjoy a buffet lunch. Then, we’ll board our private transport once again to get back to the city of Cusco. We’ll leave you at the door of your accommodation to rest your tired legs.